Could a quarter-second really be the answer to jump-starting the Giants pass rush?\u00a0<\/p>\n
After facing the Cowboys\u2019 Dak Prescott and Rams\u2019 Matthew Stafford \u2014 two veteran Pro Bowlers who got the ball out of their hands in 2.75 and 2.63 seconds, respectively, on average over the first two games \u2014 the Giants are about to see the Titans\u2019 Cam Ward and the second-year quarterback\u2019s<\/a> 2.97-second release, according to NextGenStats.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cCam Ward actually holds the ball, so we might have a couple more opportunities,\u201d edge Abdul Carter told The Post. \u201cThe main thing is we have to stay relentless.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n It was Carter who said during the preseason that \u201cthis team goes as far as we go\u201d as pass rushers. Well, the Giants have seven pressures (tied for the fewest in the NFL) and only one sack (No. 31, ahead of only the Dolphins) through two games, so maybe 1-1 is a fortunate record.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t get discouraged,\u201d Carter said. \u201cObviously, we know that every team we play against is going to scheme to get the ball out quick, chip us and double-team.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n New York Giants outside linebacker Abdul Carter (3) celebrates during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n The possibility that Brian Burns, who is coming off a 16.5-sack season, is sidelined by a sprained ankle<\/a> adds to this week\u2019s challenge.\u00a0<\/p>\n So does facing Titans offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, who held the same title with the Giants in 2024-25 and knows the tricks Burns, Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux have in their bags.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOur pass pressure is something that we lean on heavily,\u201d head coach John Harbaugh said. \u201cIt\u2019s a big, big part of who we are and who we need to be because of the talent that we have there. So, getting to the quarterback and getting guys down, that\u2019s something that\u2019s a game-changing opportunity for us. So, yeah, we\u2019re very determined to get that done.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Burns\u2019 absence would elevate Thibodeaux to starting, place an added emphasis on Chauncey Golston\u2019s inside\/outside versatility and bring rookie linebacker Arvell Reese\u2019s<\/a> pass-rushing ability more into the equation on blitzes.\u00a0<\/p>\n Trainers help New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) off the field after an injury in the fourth quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the New York Giants 28-6. Charles Wenzelberg\/New York Post<\/p>\n The Giants have blitzed on only 18.8 percent of snaps (No. 26) through the first two games.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAny time you ask [Reese] to hit somebody, his eyes light up,\u201d inside linebackers coach Frank Bush said. \u201cWhen we blitz, in his mind, he can affect the game that way. It\u2019s not a lot of thinking. Just straight line. If I can whoop this guy\u2019s ass, I\u2019ve got a chance.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The slow start by the $62.6 million edges \u2014 only the Steelers spend more on the position, according to Spotrac.com \u2014 could also result from adjusting to life without Dexter Lawrence (traded to the Bengals<\/a>) commanding a league-high double-team percentage on the inside.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cLook, we are going to get double-chipped on the edge and they can turn the center to one inside piece, so they can really get three double-teams on any pass rush,\u201d outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen said. \u201cThat\u2019s always going to be there. Everyone says you have to win your one-on-one (matchup). Well, great pass rushers have to win two-on-ones. We can be productive in those moments dealing with two-on-ones. We can work games and schemes, so it all matters.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux reacts after Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey misses a field goal during the fourth quarter of a game in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, September 13, 2026. Bill Kostroun for NY Post<\/p>\n Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson echoed Carter\u2019s credit to the Rams for max protecting and to Stafford for his quick release. But the Giants aren\u2019t the only defense facing those tactics.\u00a0<\/p>\n